As a business law attorney and small business owner, I realize that one of the hardest parts of being a small business owner is finding new niche markets through which to expand your business. One such emerging market in Illinois has been created by the legalization of medical cannabis. Once considered a dangerous gateway drug, now more and more professionals recognize the medicinal potential of marijuana.

Just recently, in fact, the Illinois State Senate voted 50-2 in favor of a law which will allow qualifying students to consume non-smoke forms of medical marijuana on school premises. CBD oil, a derivative of hemp, is a marijuana product which does not come with the “high” users of traditional marijuana experience. This extract is safe for students to take and does not negatively affect their concentration or energy levels. Sufferers of ailments such as epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, ALS, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, cancer, and HIV/AIDS have found relief from debilitating symptoms through the use of cannabis. One Chicago business owner who has found a way to incorporate medical cannabis into her business is renowned pastry chef Mindy Segal.

Cannabis Candies Offer Relief to Those Suffering From Serious Illnesses

Segal began working with Cresco Labs, one of Illinois’ main medical marijuana producers, in 2016. With their help, Segal created high-quality cannabis-infused treats including peanut brittle, chocolate fondant brownies, and snickerdoodle biscuits to sell at her Bucktown Restaurant, Mindy’s Hot Chocolate. Mindy’s Artisanal Edibles launched on April 20, 2016. More recently, Segal introduced even more edible-marijuana items including sour gummies, fruit chews, and hard candies. Illinois residents with a medical marijuana card can use these treats to help alleviate pain, increase appetite, and prevent other symptoms.

Many Believe Medical Marijuana May Be Key to Mitigating Opioid Crisis

In 2016 alone, over 63,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdose deaths. Nearly 42,000 of these deaths involved an opioid such as heroin, fentanyl and prescription drugs such as Vicodin and Percocet. Many people who become addicted to opioids are first given them legally by a doctor to combat pain after surgery or from incapacitating illnesses. Unfortunately, many people find they cannot stop using the pain pills and turn to dangerous street drugs to find relief.

Advocates of medical marijuana hope that the availability of medical marijuana will lessen the public’s reliance on dangerous opioids to manage pain. Mindy Segal prides herself on being a pioneer in the medical cannabis movement, saying, “I want to help people, make a difference and normalize the industry…I believe people who are in pain have the right to feel better without becoming addicted to opioids. I believe there is a way to make an edible from the point of view of a chef that makes edibles approachable, consistent and delicious.”

Legal Assistance for Small Businesses

The Gierach Law Firm offers wide-ranging business law services including help with starting a business, buying or selling a business, drafting business contracts, business litigation and more. To speak with Naperville business lawyer Denice A. Gierach about your non-traditional business idea, call (630) 756-1160 today.